LIKE ME, YOU CAN FIGHT THE DEMONS

EX-LEAGUESTAR TELLS OF HIS GAMBLING HELL

- JOHN LYONS

SIMON Haworth knows the pitfalls of gambling only too well - and that's why he's keen to help others avoid making the same mistakes he did.

The former Clitheroe and Stalybridge Celtic manager had an early introduction to betting.

As a child, his grandfather and uncle would take him to a bookies and get him to pick horses.

Then, in his early days as an apprentice at Cardiff, he would put horse racing bets on for some of the senior players. He would try to pick a winner for them, too, as he sought to be liked among the group.

Haworth reckons his gambling was pretty much under control in his playing days, and he had a successful career. Aside from home town club Cardiff, he played for Coventry City, Wigan Athletic and Tranmere Rovers. He also earned five caps for Wales.

However, things changed when he broke his leg playing for Rovers against Brentford. He spent a year out injured and, despite an attempted comeback, eventually had to call it a day. He was only 28 at the time.

Having always dabbled in betting and seeking something to replace the buzz of his football days, he decided to make what was a hobby his job.

"I had some success and thought 'I can make this pay', but I was my biggest enemy," admitted the 46-year-old. "I wouldn't let it go when I was losing and this went on over a period of six or seven years.